At the heart of the practice of herbal medicine is the understanding that we humans, like all living things, have an extraordinary, in-built, natural intelligence that knows how to self-repair from injury or illness.

Healing happens, not because we make it happen, it just happens. Our primary goal is to see and remove whatever may be obstructing that natural intelligence, then use what herbs or whatever else we can to support it to do its job.

History

Herbs were our very first medicines. Over countless generations, our ancestors have learned, refined and passed on vital knowledge about which herbs harmed and which herbs helped. Which remedies reliably eased suffering or helped remove such obstacles to self-repair as infection, inadequate circulation, poor digestion, impaired elimination etc.

Those leaves, roots, barks, berries, flowers and fruits that we and other animals instinctively sought out when we were sick have been the subjects of an on-going clinical trial for 'what works' for an unimaginably long time, many tens of thousands of years, it continues to this day.

Today,
the World Health Organisation recognises that herbs are still, by far, the most widespread form of medicine used on our planet. The great test of time has proven which herbal medicines work, now the tests of science are helping us to understand how they work and in that process, new possibilities are constantly coming to light.

Most people do not need to become dependent on pharmaceutical drugs in order to care for themselves or their loved ones. So long as one takes careful steps to ensure the authenticity of the supply, we have better access to more high-quality herbal medicines than at any time in history. Today is an excellent time to study herbal medicines and to learn how to use them wisely.

The herbs used in modern herbal medicine are truly tried and tested and adverse reactions are extremely rare. Nevertheless, to get great results with herbs, it is vital to match the right remedies to the right person and there is more to this than it might first appear when one sees the many popular recommendations to take this herb for that problem. An interested reader can learn more this match-making process by exploring the section on constitutional medicine found here

It is also essential to understand that herbs contain complex chemicals that the body does not normally produce by itself, nor obtain from foods. Herbs are natural drugs, the importance of giving the right dosage, not too much, not too little, of the unique chemistry in herbal medicines cannot be overstated.

Historically, most herbal medicines were given in the form of teas or decoctions, where the herbs are steeped or simmered in water. Infusions and decoctions are still entirely effective methods to deliver medicinal dose however, these days, most herbalists will also use ml doses of concentrated tinctures and extracts and/or concentrated herbal powders in capsule form. These methods of delivery give precision dosing and greater ease of use to a person who needs to take herbs over any length of time.

Qualifications are obviously important. Most modern herbalists have completed years of undergraduate study, have much valuable knowledge and experience with many plant medicines and are well trained in the art and science of health.

This said, there are many paths to become a good herbalist and there are also many handsome pieces of paper in the world now that are not backed up by a truly useful skill-set. Qualifications from a learning institute are, at best, only an indicator, not a guarantee.

Throughout history, herbalists passed their lore down through countless generations via the old tradition of apprentice-based learning so, if there is any uncertainty here, it is best to keep an open mind and to not hesitate to respectfully ask 'who trained you, how did you learn?'

Location can be very important. Many complex health problems can be greatly helped by a good herbalist, but the journey of healing takes time and it should not be too hard for you to meet with, or at least talk with your practitioner again after the first visit, which really must be made in person.

If you are in one of the below countries, the following links to their professional herbalist's associations may be a good place to start:

Every culture around the world has developed its own system and traditions of herbal medicines so, wherever you are, there is an excellent chance that, even if you can't find someone on a directory such as those linked above, you will still be able to find a good herbalist in your area with a little asking around.

One approach is to make an enquiry to a midwife in your local community. Most drugs are not suitable for pregnancy and many midwives have a good working knowledge of herbal medicine including knowing who the best herbalists are in their area to refer people to.

Another approach is to go to your local fresh-produce or farmer's market. Someone who grows and sells herbs for the kitchen will often also have herbs for the medicine cabinet and should know something about this subject, including who are the best, most experienced, herbalists in the area.

Experience counts for a great deal in health care. Experienced herbalists will have seen many different kinds of problems and will be very accustomed to working with tricky cases.
Especially if you have a particularly difficult or chronic problem, it may be wise and is completely acceptable to ask; 'have you had positive experiences working with ______?'

Don't write them off if they say no, particularly if you have a good feeling about them for other reasons. A good practitioner is always learning and wanting to learn more. By the time you come to your appointment with them, they should have read up or asked around about your condition and will be thinking about what kinds of options might help.

Individuality

If you are in the happy position of having several options to choose from, you may be able to quickly discern a better herbalist from someone less proficient with another simple question; 'do you make up individual herbal formulas for people?'

As herbal medicine has become more popular, a number of companies have developed ready-made products that they vigorously market and convince many practitioners to use. It is very like what drug companies do with Doctors and, aside from being a lot more expensive, their products are substantially less effective in practice because they cannot be tailored to the individual.

Not so long ago, all herbalists obtained, prepared and dispensed herbs in tailor-made formulas for each of their patients, according to what's going on and what they believe will best help. It is a deep, ancient art that requires an individualised approach to each person. Many herbalists continue to keep this tradition very much alive simply because it is, without doubt, more effective.

Holistic Practice

This last quality of a good herbalist is really the most important one of all, but it is much harder to gauge from a pre-appointment question and maybe you will have to actually meet with them to decide for yourself if they really are a holistic practitioner who can guide a person well on the most important journey they can take, to regain their health.

Long ago in a far-off land, when all doctors were herbalists, there was a rule that practitioners broke at peril of losing their right to practice. It was 'never give a strong herb when a gentle herb will do, never give a gentle herb when a change of diet will do, never give a change of diet when all that is needed is some advice'.

Holistic practice is not about trying to do everything. It is about being open to working at whatever level is needed. A good herbalist is not trying to 'fix' people with herbs. They use herbs as tools to support the self-healing process or help remove what is obstructing it but, if needed, they can give equal importance and accurate guidance on diet, or lifestyle, or matters of the mind and heart.

Whoever you find, whatever their training, their background or their methods of practice, it matters deeply that they follow the three great laws of medicine. They are 'firstly do no harm, secondly treat the cause, and thirdly work with the healing force of Nature' more on the three laws here

I warmly wish you success in finding a good guide and journeying well back to health.

Angelica archangelica

Please understand that I cannot personally advise you without seeing you in my clinic.
This living 'book' is my labour of love so, wherever you are, I wish you peace & good health!